American Sikh Council condemns the terrorist attack in Lahore

The American Sikh Council (ASC) is shocked and distressed by the brutal act of violence against Pakistani Christians who were celebrating Easter Sundayat Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, in central Lahore, when a suicide bomber blew himself up a few yards from a children's play area on March 27, 2016

Currently, at least 70 people, mostly women and children have been killed at a crowded park in Pakistan in a suicide blast that also wounded more than 300 people, officials said. The police and paramilitary are on a nationwide manhunt trying to apprehend the main suspects. The military has already raided several locations and found huge caches of arms and bomb making material.

The American Sikh Council (ASC) sends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been taken away by this unspeakable tragedy. We pray for a speedy and full recovery of the injured. Our prayers are with all the victims, their families, and local community. May the Almighty lighten your burden, and grace you with hope and healing under these very difficult circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of profound tragedy and grief.

Such heinous acts in the name of religion must be condemned in the strictest manner and the American Sikh Council (ASC) stands in solidarity with the civilized world. Religious extremism which culminates in any form of violence must be rejected by all and the full weight of the law must be brought to bear on it in order for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The American Sikh Council is the umbrella organization representative of Sikhs in the United States. It is an elected body of Sikh Gurdwaras and institutions. Currently 71 Gurdwaras and other Sikh institutions across the nation are members of ASC. The major governing purpose of the organization is to represent the collective view of Sikhs in the United States. ASC works to promote Sikh interests at the national and international level focusing on issues of advocacy, education, and well-being of humankind